New Orleans isn’t just a city—it’s a sensory experience. From the moment you arrive, the scent of beignets, crawfish boil, and chargrilled oysters begins to pull you from one meal to the next. In a place where food is central to culture, history, and celebration, every bite tells a story. If you’ve only got a weekend, this itinerary will help you make every meal count.

Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions

Friday Afternoon Snack – Central Grocery & Deli
Start strong with a muffuletta, the iconic Italian sandwich packed with olive salad, meats, and cheese. No trip is complete without it.

Friday Dinner – Cochon
A must-visit for modern Cajun cuisine. Try the smoked pork ribs, fried alligator, or rabbit and dumplings. It’s Southern comfort, elevated.
Explore the menu at Cochon

Late-Night – Frenchmen Street Food Scene
Catch live music and grab a late-night po’ boy or fried shrimp basket from a food truck or nearby dive. Frenchmen Street keeps the party—and flavors—going late into the night.

Day 2: Flavor Tour of the Crescent City

Saturday Breakfast – Café du Monde
Yes, it’s touristy—and yes, it’s worth it. Order beignets and café au lait and soak in the energy of Jackson Square.
Plan your visit to Café du Monde

Saturday Lunch – Parkway Bakery & Tavern
Locals swear by Parkway’s roast beef po’ boy, but the shrimp or oyster po’ boys are just as satisfying. Get yours dressed.
View Parkway’s menu

Saturday Dinner – Dooky Chase’s Restaurant
An icon of Creole cuisine and civil rights history. Try the gumbo, red beans and rice, or shrimp Clemenceau.
Read about Dooky Chase’s legacy

Dessert – Willa Jean
End the night with a cookie + vanilla milk combo or bruléed banana pudding. Southern dessert meets modern indulgence.
Check Willa Jean’s offerings

Day 3: Farewell with Flavors

Sunday Brunch – Commander’s Palace
A true New Orleans experience, especially during Jazz Brunch. Go for the Creole gumbo, pecan-crusted Gulf fish, or turtle soup.
Make a reservation at Commander’s Palace

Sunday Snack – Hansen’s Sno-Bliz
Cool down with a famous sno-ball, topped with house-made syrups and condensed milk.

One Last Bite – Willie Mae’s Scotch House
Finish strong with legendary fried chicken and butter beans. It’s a local institution for good reason.
Visit Willie Mae’s

Tips for a Seamless Food Weekend

• Make reservations early for top spots like Commander’s Palace and Cochon.
  
• Explore more recommendations via Eater New Orleans or New Orleans & Company Tourism.
  
• Stay walkable to neighborhoods like the French Quarter, Marigny, or Garden District for easy access to top eats.
  

Final Bite: Savor the Spirit of the City

In New Orleans, food isn’t just nourishment—it’s a celebration. With bold flavors, rich traditions, and a rhythm all its own, this city delivers a weekend of unforgettable meals and memories that linger long after your last bite.